Director Song Il Gon has revealed that Lee Se Young's performance in the hit drama The Red Sleeve was the reason he decided to cast her in his latest film, Still Shining.

During a recent interview in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, the director shared how impressed he was by Lee Se Young's acting and explained why he believed she was the right person for an important role alongside veteran actress Kim Hye Ja.

Lee Se Young plays Ji An, the granddaughter of Soon Ok, portrayed by Kim Hye Ja, in the film.

Although Ji An does not have much screen time, director Song Il Gon emphasized that her character plays an important part in the story.

He explained, "She is a very important character toward the ending. She represents the generation living in the present and is at the center of Kim Hye Ja's character's story."

Because of the role's importance, the director said he was especially careful when choosing an actress.

He wanted someone who was familiar to audiences but could also deliver a performance with emotional depth.

That was when Lee Se Young's acting in the 2021 MBC historical romance drama The Red Sleeve caught his attention.

Song Il Gon recalled, "I watched The Red Sleeve, and Lee Se Young's acting was so good. I wondered how she could act that well."

He was particularly impressed by her ability to express complicated emotions despite her young age.

He continued, "She portrayed emotional depth beyond her age. I thought that if Lee Se Young joined our film, she could make it shine even more."

The director also admitted that he was curious to see how Lee Se Young would work alongside Kim Hye Ja, one of South Korea's most respected actresses.

Fortunately, Lee Se Young responded positively to the casting offer.

Song Il Gon shared that the actress readily agreed to participate because of her respect and affection for Kim Hye Ja, as well as her interest in the film's story.

He said, "She gladly contacted us to say she would do it. I heard that she decided to join because she deeply respected Kim Hye Ja and believed in the meaning of the project. I was very grateful."

The director's expectations were met when the two actresses began working together.

According to Song Il Gon, their chemistry was excellent, and Kim Hye Ja herself had many positive things to say about her younger co-star.

He revealed, "Their chemistry was really good. Kim Hye Ja also praised her a lot. Lee Se Young is such a kindhearted person."

In Still Shining, Lee Se Young portrays a writer who was raised by her grandmother from childhood.

Even after becoming an adult, Ji An maintains a close and loving relationship with Soon Ok, making their bond an important emotional part of the film.

The movie follows Soon Ok, a woman who reunites with her closest friend after 60 years. The two once shared some of the brightest moments of their lives, and their reunion brings back memories of their younger days.

While Lee Se Young's appearance is relatively brief, the director believes her performance adds emotional weight to the story.

His comments also highlight how her earlier work in The Red Sleeve continues to leave an impression on filmmakers years after the drama aired.

Still Shining, starring Kim Hye Ja and featuring Lee Se Young as her granddaughter, is currently showing in South Korean theaters.